Bystanders save veteran from drowning in Lealman pond

TBO.com staff

Published: May 17, 2013

Updated: May 17, 2013 at 08:32 PM

Two bystanders saved a double-amputee veteran who had slipped into a pond, the Lealman Fire Department said.
Shortly after 7 p.m., Robert Lunay, 79, was looking over a pond behind the Disabled American Veterans office, 4801 37th St. N. in Lealman when his wheelchair slipped and Lunay rolled into the pond.
Two bystanders, Robert Fields and Norman Steers, heard Lunay calling for help, went into the pond to aid him.
Fire crews, summoned by multiple 911 calls, arrived to find Lunay being held up in the water near the bank by Fields and Steers. Firefighters helped Lunay up the embankment. He was not injured.

“Had it not been for Mr. Fields and Mr. Steers, this could have ended tragically,” said Lealman Fire Captain Larry Thompson.